The Africa Cup of Nations has many stories, but one of the most striking is written by the Cameroon national team. It is a story of turning host nation dreams into despair, and then turning that victory into ultimate glory. As Cameroon prepares to face host nation Morocco on Friday, history offers a powerful warning.
On five separate occasions, the Indomitable Lions have not only eliminated the tournament host but have gone on to lift the AFCON trophy immediately after.
The pattern is clear. In 1984, they beat hosts Ivory Coast to win their first title. In 1988, they knocked out Morocco to be crowned champions. At the 2000 tournament co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria, they eliminated Ghana in the semi-finals and won. In 2002, they sent hosts Mali packing in the semi-finals and defended their crown. Most recently in 2017, they eliminated Gabon and went on to shock the continent by winning the title.
Their record in knockout matches against host nations is formidable. Since losing the 1986 final to Egypt on penalties, Cameroon have won their last five AFCON knockout-stage games against hosts. This includes wins against Morocco (1988), Senegal (1992), Nigeria (2000 final), Mali (2002), and Ghana (2008).
This history now places Morocco in a familiar, and perhaps uncomfortable, position. The Atlas Lions carry the hopes of a nation as hosts. But they face a team for whom the pressure of a hostile crowd is not a threat, but a familiar path to success.
When Cameroon walk into a host nation’s stadium and win, it is often the first step on their way to lifting the trophy. Cameroon do not fear the role of the spoiler; they have built a legacy around it.
Friday’s match is more than a quarter-final. It is a clash with a deep history pattern. History shows that when Cameroon eliminate the hosts, it usually ends with silverware.
